Federal Register #2026-21325

FAA safety directive requires fuel-valve leak checks on specified Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft

This FAA safety directive requires checks of fuel shut-off valves on specified Airbus aircraft; it is a regulatory action, not a procurement request. - Government buyer and issuing authority: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); no specific office is identified. - OEM: Airbus SAS, manufacturer of the affected A330 and A340 aircraft. The directive is based on material from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). - Affected aircraft: Airbus A330-243, A330-243F, A330-341, A330-342, A330-343, A330-841, A330-941, A340-211, A340-212, A340-213, A340-311, A340-312, A340-313, A340-541, and A340-642 airplanes. - Required work: Repetitive leak checks of applicable fuel low-pressure shut-off valves (LPSOVs); replace an affected part if a discrepancy is found. Installing an affected part is allowed only under specified conditions. - Scope and effort: The FAA estimates 115 U.S.-registered aircraft are affected. Required actions are estimated at up to 8 work-hours per aircraft; an on-condition replacement may require 5 work-hours, with parts estimated at $10,000. - Timing: The initial check is due within 35 months after the directive takes effect; subsequent intervals follow the applicable EASA directive. - Safety purpose: Address a leak-related fire hazard that could prevent a fire from being extinguished and cause significant aircraft damage. - Procurement status: No commercial products, part numbers, or procurement quantities are specified.

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive for specified Airbus SAS A330 and A340 airplane models. Prompted by reports of leaks on closed fuel low pressure shut-off valves (LPSOVs), the directive requires repetitive leak checks of certain fuel LPSOVs and replacement of an affected part if a discrepancy is detected. Installation of an affected part is allowed under certain conditions. The directive is intended to address a safety risk that could lead to an inability to extinguish a fire and significant damage to airplane structure or systems.

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